Massie: There's no immediate threat, and this is not our fight

Massie

Constituents of Kentucky's Fourth District have made clear their overwhelming opposition to the use of military force in Syria.

I, too, am vehemently opposed to U.S. military involvement in Syria.

In June, I introduced the War Powers Protection Act of 2013 to block unauthorized U.S. military and paramilitary involvement in Syria.

Since our national security interests in Syria are unclear, and because Syria poses no imminent threat, I plan to vote against authorizing the use of military force in Syria.

Though the president has decided to seek permission from Congress, he implied in last Saturday's speech that he could ignore the voice of the American people even if Congress voted against authorizing the use of military force in Syria. This is unconstitutional. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress - not the president - the power to declare war.

We cannot improve a situation with chemical weapons by attacking with kinetic weapons. Contributing to the Syrian death count will not make anything better.

The civil war in Syria is not America's fight and not an immediate threat to America's security. Why should American taxpayers be forced to pay for the United States to act?

In two short days, I received 126 calls opposing military engagement in Syria and only one call in favor. Other members of Congress across the country have received the same feedback. The president and Congress should listen to the overwhelming contingent of American citizens that oppose U.S. military involvement in Syria. ■

U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie,

R-Garrison, represents Kentucky's

4th congressional district.

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Massie: There's no immediate threat, and this is not our fight

Constituents of Kentucky's Fourth District have made clear their overwhelming opposition to the use of military force in Syria.